Data center equipment cabinet information center and updateable asset tracking system

ABSTRACT

A cabinet frame enclosure is provided having a first side wall, a second side wall, a first opening and a second opening each in combination defining an interior space for accommodating a plurality of equipment, the equipment being removable through the first opening. A plurality of functional modules are provided such as: an asset tracking module for detecting the presence or absence of the equipment from the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure, the asset tracking module disposed in the first side wall adjacent the first opening; an access control module for providing electronic locking and access control to the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure; an environmental management module for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions within the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure; a power management module for monitoring and controlling power distribution to equipment located in the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure, the power management module disposed in one of the first side wall or second side wall and adjacent the second opening; and a cabinet control module (CCM) for providing consolidated connectivity to the plurality of functional modules, wherein the CCM presents a single network connection for managing the equipment located in the cabinet frame enclosure.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application claiming priorityto co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.14/208,164 filed Mar. 13, 2014, that is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/168,753 filed Jan. 30,2014, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent applicationSer. No. 13/954,473, filed Jul. 30, 2013, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/677,299, filed Jul. 30,2012, 61/694,984, filed Aug. 30, 2012, whose disclosures are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties into the presentdisclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to data center infrastructuremanagement (DCIM) and more particularly to a cabinet information center(CIC) that provides a unified view for such management and an updateableasset tracking system.

BACKGROUND

Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) refers to the integrationof information technology (IT) and facility management to centralize themonitoring and management of a data center's data computing systems.Generally, DCIM is achieved using specialized software, hardware, andsensors to enable a common, real-time monitoring and management platformfor a variety of data computing systems.

Conventional server enclosures for connecting and managing one or moreelectronic server components include a frame or cabinet, such as anextruded aluminum frame, having a plurality of universal mounting railsfor receiving the server components. The server cabinet may also includea door made using a variety of materials or venting options to allow forincreased airflow to cool interior server components.

In addition to the cabinet itself, many conventional server enclosuresinclude specialized subsystems for providing additional monitoring orcontrol for various conditions that may affect the servers locatedwithin the enclosure. For example, these subsystems may include assetmanagement for tracking whether a server component is located within theenclosure, access control for preventing unwanted physical intrusion ortampering with the components within the enclosure, environmentalmonitoring for maintaining desired operational temperatures, and powermanagement for managing power distribution to components in theenclosure.

One disadvantage associated with conventional enclosures is that none ofthem provide an integrated enclosure that consolidates all of thesefunctionalities in a way that eases integration and configuration of theenclosure within an IT infrastructure. For example, locks can beelectronic or keyed and are either standalone or networked-proprietary,but do not communicate with other systems. Environmental installationsare also often a separate solution from the other automation componentsin the enclosure. Power monitoring, control, and reporting are typicallyperformed through on-board intelligence located within the powerdistribution units themselves.

Another disadvantage associated with conventional enclosures is thatnone provide a single network connection to manage these functions.Because each subsystem is typically managed using a separate networkconnection, a fully loaded enclosure may require many networkconnections (e.g., IP addresses, Ethernet cables, network ports). Theseextra network connections associated with conventional un-consolidatedenclosures lead to added time and expense required to implement andmanage such systems.

Two types of DCIM offerings now exist in the market. The first issoftware suites that integrate multiple functions. The second is pointsolutions, which are focused on individual functions. However, asolution that is integrated at the hardware level is lacking. Datacenter command center/control center consoles can obtain someinformation about data center conditions but typically cannot ascertainin-rack information.

None of the conventional devices described above provide an integratedDCIM equipment cabinet that consolidates a variety of equipmentmonitoring and control functions while making the cabinet cheaper andeasier to manage by providing a single network connection to theappliance. Instead, conventional devices may only consolidate one or afew types of monitoring or control functions and may provide a separatenetwork connection for each of these functions, thus making conventionalcabinets expensive and difficult to manage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment the invention consolidates a variety of equipmentmonitoring and control functions while making the cabinet easier andless expensive to manage. The invention may provide the possibility of asingle network connection for the variety of equipment monitoring andcontrol functions.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to an integrateddata center infrastructure management equipment cabinet appliance. Theintegrated appliance includes a cabinet frame enclosure foraccommodating a plurality of equipment. The integrated appliance alsoincludes at least one functional module selected from a group consistingof: an asset tracking module, an access control module, an environmentalmanagement module, and a power management module. The asset trackingmodule can automatically detect the presence or absence of equipmentfrom the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure using one or morenear-field radio frequency identification (RFID) or other wirelesssensors. The access control module provides electronic locking andaccess control to the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure. Theenvironmental management module monitors and controls environmentalconditions within the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure. Thepower management module monitors and controls power distribution toequipment located in the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure.The integrated appliance also includes a cabinet control module (CCM)that provides consolidated connectivity to the one or more functionalmodules. In one illustrative embodiment, the CCM presents a singlenetwork connection, e.g., a single external Internet Protocol (IP)address, for managing the equipment located in the cabinet frameenclosure.

The data center equipment cabinet appliance (ECA), integrates an arrayof electronic sensors and controls to both standard and purpose builtdata center equipment cabinets. The focus of the ECA implementation isto improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs and protect assetstypically installed within standard equipment cabinets utilized in datacenters by providing a common point of information display and cabinetinteraction without the need to physically access assets and vitalsensory components internal to the equipment cabinet itself. Equipmentcan include any standard rack mount devices such as servers, storagearrays and networking devices.

The ECA is a DCIM implementation focused on providing an interactiveinterface for monitoring and/or controlling environmental (temperature,pressure, airflow, humidity), power (powerstrip/distribution unit)monitoring and control, asset tracking via automated in-cabinetdetection, access management through a range of on-screen or otherauthentication mechanisms to electronic locks, and image based camerasurveillance for identification and event logging. ECA cabinets can alsoinclude on cabinet display and touchscreen/keyboard interaction for atcabinet interrogation and interaction.

The ECA touchscreen display is integrated with the equipment cabinet'sdoor design and provides ease of visual display to the aforementionedECA sensor functions as well as touch interaction for informationdrilling, cabinet access via optional on-screen keypad authentication,and optional keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) interaction for “touch-free”in-cabinet asset administration. The ECA applies touchscreen andinformation display technology to data center equipment cabinets. Thetechnology has to date not been applied to the monitoring andinteraction with equipment cabinets in data centers.

The ECA controller provides electronic integration with the ECA forvideo and touch processing offload.

The ECA is driven by a “cabinet control module” (CCM) that consolidatesall ECA monitoring and control functions, delivery network connectivityfor the ECA automation through a single Ethernet or other networkconnection. The CCM has the unique ability to auto-detect the ECAsubcomponents that are connected to it dynamically. This greatly easesintegration and configuration. The controller offloads key graphicdisplay and touch control processing from the cabinet control module(CCM).

The CCM is a single unit that provides connectivity for allsensor/control components listed below and delivers single pointEthernet (or any other suitable networking protocol) based networkconnectivity to the ECA. This single-point consolidation is significantto data center managers, since it provides a single IP address or othernetwork connection to manage a multitude of ECA functions.

The Asset-Track sensor units are installed into the ECA at eachequipment mounting location (rack unit or RU). The Asset-Track sensorunits preferably detect the installation or removal of assetswirelessly, for example, by detecting RFID tags placed on the assets.Other in-rack asset detection implementations exist but require physicalconnections between sensors and the actual equipment assets beingmonitored, thereby leading to the possibility of errors in readingaccuracy and missing asset installation or removal events. Each assetcan have an asset RFID tag attached thereto prior to installation andtypically performed as a nominal part of equipment delivery andregistration.

The Lock-Talk access control components provide electronic locking andaccess control to the ECA via third-party electronic locks. Accessmethods available for customer choice include a touch-sensor-basedten-key keypad for PIN access and door unit selection, a proximity cardreader for use of key fob or keycard access, on-screen touchscreencontrol, remote network control, and/or biometric access. Lock-Talk alsooptionally integrates image based controls via camera still and videotechnologies.

Enviro-Track provides sensing of temperature, humidity, airflow, and airpressure for the ECA in order to assess its environmental conditions. Inappropriately equipped ECA cabinets, Enviro-Track can also controlairflow fan speeds and cabinet mounted cooling components. Environmentalsensor functions via Enviro-Track are traditional and expected inaccordance with industry ASHRAE standards. Unique control of cabinetmounted fans and cooling systems along with the unique integration ofthe environmental components with the rest of the appliance functions.

Power-Talk provides sensing, reporting and control over power elementssupplied to the CA via power distribution units (PDUs), powerstrips, andintelligent power battery backup devices. Power-Talk integratesintelligent PDU functions for monitoring and selective control ofpower-strip outlets and battery control for backup or selective powerincreases. Power-Talk is a unique solution traditionally performedon-board intelligent power distribution units or intelligentpowerstrips. By using Power-Talk, a multitude of 3rd party PDUcomponents can be controlled and leveraged via the single Ethernetconnection versus taking up an additional network connection in thedatacenter.

The ECA Information Center includes a touchscreen and informationdisplay that provides external cabinet interaction to the above ECAinformation and control functions.

Each of the above elements is modular and customizable as packagesdepending on customer requirements. As elements are added to the ECAimplementation, the CCM auto-discovers the ECA functions that it canmanage.

Each package in the ECA distinctly manages its particular discipline;e.g., Lock-Talk is focused on authentication and access whileAsset-Track is focused on asset tracking. The uniqueness to the approachis delivered via correlated automation scenarios as follows:

-   -   A. Authentication to access inside the cabinet may be granted to        only those who are authorized to access the specific assets        contained in the cabinet.    -   B. Temperature variance or other environmental factors may lead        to the need to unlock and open the doors for additional airflow.    -   C. Certain assets identified via Asset-Track may have specific        power ramp up profiles based on workload that may need to be        coordinated with Power-Talk.    -   D. Asset locations, power profiles at the asset locations        planned along with environmental profiles can be analyzed for        efficiency optimization.    -   Each of the packages could make use of alternative components to        achieve the same respective functional results.    -   A. Asset-Track is unique with respect to its use of nearfield        RFID or other wireless technology and corresponding equipment        tags. Other asset tracking solutions make use of tethered        sensors or embedded sensors in power cables to sense the        presence of assets. They could be substituted for the wireless        approach but are deemed inferior in their ability to attest to        the asset's presence or absence. This is due to the fact that an        asset could be present and simply not tethered to the asset        sensor in the first configuration or simply not plugged in where        power cables are used with sensors.    -   B. Lock-Talk can make use of third-party electronic locks that        are configured to interact with the CCM. The associated        Lock-Talk authentication mechanisms such as Methode's        touch-sensor-based keypad, Southco's integrated lock and        proximity reader, and Lumidigm's biometric scanner are        integrated and configured to maximize their performance with the        CCM. Alternative keypads, proximity readers, and biometric        devices could be interfaced to interact with the CCM        architecture as well.    -   C. Enviro-Track sensors are very common sensor devices that are        readily integrated to the CCM sensing and control logic. Method        has developed its own cabling and sensing thermistors for the        actual measurement of temperature in the solution.    -   D. Power-Talk speaks to a range of 3rd party PDU strips for        gathering key power performance data. Power-Talk uniquely        integrates to a new line of intelligent in-rack battery devices        that will be capable of providing dynamic power peaking without        the need to supply additional external power.

The ECA package provides real time cabinet sensory and control displayand interaction by connecting to the CCM for information query andoutput to the ECA controller for graphics rendering and touchinteraction.

The ECA process is set to poll for status updates on key value intervalsin order to update sensor elements such as Temperature; Humidity;Airflow; AirPressure; Front and Rear Cabinet Door Lock state; Incomingcabinet power state; Outlet power state; Outlet power control; Powerbank control; Power bank state; Asset presence or absence by rack unitstate; Asset movement events; Cabinet authentication via on screenkeypad; and Optional KVM integration for in-cabinet asset administrationwithout the need to physically touch the assets being administered.

Alternatives would include remote access to similar information or largedisplay screen technology utilized in control rooms and command centers.Equipment cabinets from third-party manufacturers may be optimized tointegrate the CIC into their cabinet design. The present invention canbe used on any type of equipment cabinet commonly used in datacenters,production studios, home theaters, broadcast facilities, etc.Adaptations can be produced to also address medical arenas such as apharmacy.

The software can be Linux-based for ease of development, lower barrierof entry, and greater compatibility with various database engines. Thesoftware can include a Ruby on Rails software engine and a Web interfaceimplemented through Adobe Flash. Integration options for third-partysoftware suites can be provided. The present invention can beimplemented in new cabinet enclosures or retrofitted to existing cabinetenclosures.

An embodiment of the invention provides a self-contained andself-monitoring equipment rack comprising a cabinet frame enclosurehaving a first side wall, a second side wall, a first opening and asecond opening each in combination defining an interior space foraccommodating a plurality of equipment. The equipment may be removablethrough the first opening. A first component is disposed in the firstsidewall for wirelessly detecting the presence of at least one of theequipment. A second component is provided for locking a door of thecabinet, the second component controlled remotely and electronically. Athird component having a temperature sensor is provided including a fanand a remote control for controlling temperature within the cabinet. Afourth component is disposed in the first or second side wall forproviding power to the entire cabinet and each of its first, second andthird components via a single power cable. Each of the first, second andthird components are connected to the fourth component. A cabinetcontrol module (CCM) is connected to each of the first, second, thirdand fourth components and the CCM for consolidating the monitoring andcontrol of the first, second, third and fourth components. A displayscreen is linked to the CCM for viewing component operation data andcontrolling the CCM. The display screen accessible from outside thecabinet without opening the door.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a data centerinfrastructure management equipment cabinet appliance, the appliancecomprising a cabinet frame enclosure having a first side wall, a secondside wall, a first opening and a second opening each in combinationdefining an interior space for accommodating a plurality of equipment,the equipment being removable through the first opening. The applianceincludes a plurality of functional modules selected from a groupconsisting of an updatable asset tracking module for detecting thepresence or absence of the equipment from the interior space of thecabinet frame enclosure including a tag information file that identifiesthe equipment, the updatable asset tracking module capable of writing toan equipment tag to enable modification of the tag information file whenthe equipment is relocated, an access control module for providingelectronic locking and access control to the interior space of thecabinet frame enclosure, an environmental management module formonitoring and controlling environmental conditions within the interiorspace of the cabinet frame enclosure, a power management module formonitoring and controlling power distribution to equipment located inthe interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure, the power managementmodule disposed in one of the first side wall or second side wall andadjacent the second opening and a cabinet control module (CCM) forproviding consolidated connectivity to the plurality of functionalmodules, wherein the CCM presents a single network connection formanaging the equipment located in the cabinet frame enclosure.

In an embodiment, the updateable asset tracking module is configured todetect the equipment wirelessly and an RFID tag attached to theequipment. In an embodiment, the updateable asset tracking module isconfigured to write to one or more RFID tags attached to the equipment.In an embodiment, the updateable asset tracking module comprises one ormore RFID readers provided by a detachable strip located within theinterior space of the cabinet frame enclosure. In an embodiment, theupdateable asset tracking module further comprises a plurality of blocksconnected in series and each block containing at least one RFID reader.In an embodiment, each block includes a male end and an opposite femaleend so that corresponding blocks may be interconnected to form a strip.In an embodiment, the access control module comprises one of: atouch-sensor-based key keypad, a proximity card reader, an on-screentouch-screen control, a remote network control, and biometric access. Inan embodiment, the access control module is configured to use visualdata including at least one of still images and video. In an embodiment,the environmental management module includes one of a fan and adehumidifier for controlling one of airflow and humidity within theinterior space of the cabinet frame enclosure. In an embodiment, thepower management module comprises one or more of: a power distributionunit (PDU), a power strip, and an intelligent power battery backupdevice. In an embodiment, the power management module is configured toselectively control at least one of power delivery and power storage tothe equipment. In an embodiment, the cabinet control module iswirelessly connect to the plurality of functional modules. In anembodiment, the cabinet control module is wired to the plurality offunctional modules. In an embodiment, the cabinet control modulecomprises a touch-screen display for providing external user interactionbetween a user and the integrated appliance. In an embodiment, thecabinet control module is configured to manage a correlated automationscenario where information received from at least a first functionalmodule is used to manage at least a second functional module. In anembodiment, the single network connection has a single IP address.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a self-contained andself-monitoring equipment rack comprising a cabinet frame enclosurehaving a first side wall, a second side wall, a first opening and asecond opening each in combination defining an interior space foraccommodating a plurality of equipment, the equipment being removablethrough the first opening, a first component disposed in the firstsidewall for wirelessly detecting the presence of at least one of theequipment, the first component including a tag information file thatidentifies the equipment and having a read and write capability toenable modification of the tag information file when the equipment isrelocated; a second component for locking a door of the cabinet, thesecond component controlled remotely and electronically, a thirdcomponent having a temperature sensor and a fan and a remote control forcontrolling temperature within the cabinet. The invention provides afourth component disposed in the first or second side wall for providingpower to the entire cabinet and each of its first, second and thirdcomponents via a single power cable, each of the first, second and thirdcomponents connected to the fourth component; a cabinet control module(CCM) connected to each of the first, second, third and fourthcomponents and the CCM for consolidating the monitoring and control ofthe first, second, third and fourth components. The invention includes adisplay screen linked to the CCM for viewing component operation dataand controlling the CCM, the display screen accessible from outside thecabinet without opening the door.

In an embodiment, the first component includes an asset tracking modulethat is configured to detect one or more RFID tags attached to theequipment.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides an updateable assettracking system comprising a cabinet frame enclosure having a first sidewall, a second side wall, a first opening and a second opening each incombination defining an interior space for accommodating a plurality ofequipment, the equipment being removable through the first opening, afirst component disposed in the first sidewall for wirelessly detectingthe presence of at least one of the equipment, the first componentincluding a tag information file that identifies the equipment andhaving a read and write capability to enable modification of the taginformation file when the equipment is relocated; a second componentdisposed in the second sidewall for wirelessly detecting the presence ofat least one of the equipment, the second component including a taginformation file that identifies the equipment and having a capabilityto enable modification of the tag information file when the equipment isrelocated. In an embodiment, the first and second component each includean RFID reader having a capability to write to an RFID tag mounted tothe equipment. In an embodiment, a third component located below thefirst component in the first sidewall for wirelessly detecting thepresence of at least one of the equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will be set forth in detail withreference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary system including anintegrated data center infrastructure management equipment cabinetappliance, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary system including anintegrated data center infrastructure management equipment cabinetappliance, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of internal components of an exemplarycabinet control module for use in an integrated data centerinfrastructure management equipment cabinet appliance, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an exemplary system including anequipment cabinet appliance;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a monitor depicting a preferredscreen shot, the monitor depicted also in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6. is a front perspective, exploded view of the individualcomponents of an equipment cabinet appliance of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an illustrative depiction of the presentinvention displaying the components of the equipment cabinet appliancelinked to a cabinet control module of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the equipment cabinet appliance ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of an illustrative depiction of theequipment cabinet appliance of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is an illustrative view of the cabinet control module providinga diagrammatic connection from the components depicted in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an asset tracking module andpiece of equipment being tracked by the asset tracking module;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a block of an asset trackingmodule;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a block of an asset trackingmodule having a pigtail cable connection;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective sectioned view of an asset trackingmodule mounted to a sidewall of the equipment cabinet appliance; and

FIGS. 14-19 are exemplary depictions of screen shots depicting theinformation available via the cabinet information center.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternateforms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail below. Disclosure of suchspecific embodiments shall not limit the invention to the particularembodiments depicted in the drawing figures. This application shallcover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the invention will be set forth in detail withreference to drawing FIGS. 1-6, in which like reference numerals referto like elements or steps throughout. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplarysystem including an integrated data center infrastructure managementequipment cabinet appliance in accordance with an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein. In FIGS. 1 and 2, dashed lines areshown to illustrate components that may not be visible from the givenperspective. For example, the equipment cabinet appliance (ECA) 100includes a completely enclosable/sealable enclosure, and therefore, thefront door 107 is shown in an open position in FIG. 1 in order to moreclearly illustrate the various internal components of the ECA 100.Because the back panel of the ECA 100 is not removable in the embodimentshown, FIG. 2 provides additional illustration of the components and/orconnections which are located inside the ECA 100 and between the backpanel of the ECA 100 and the back portions of the various components inthe ECA 100.

The ECA 100 includes a cabinet frame 102 for storing, connecting,monitoring, and managing a plurality of servers, such as servers 108.The servers 108 may, for example, be 1U format server blades configuredto perform functions desired by the user. In addition to the servers108, the ECA 100 includes a cabinet control module (CCM) 110 formanaging one or more functional modules 111-114 which provide one of:asset tracking, access control, environmental management, and powermanagement. The functional modules 111114 are managed using the central,dedicated CCM 110 which provides a single network access connection tothe ECA 100. By integrating multiple features provided by the functionalmodules 111-114 in a single enclosure and managing those features usinga single external network connection, the integration and configurationof this DCIM implementation is easier and cheaper than with conventionaldevices. For the reasons stated above which distinguish the ECA 100 fromconventional equipment enclosures, the ECA 100 of the present inventionmay be referred to as an “appliance” rather than just a rack, cabinet,or enclosure. Additional details of the ECA 100 will now be described ingreater detail below.

Cabinet Frame:

The cabinet frame 102 accommodates a plurality of equipment, where thecabinet frame 102 has a top wall 104 and a bottom wall 105 that islocated opposite the top wall 104. The cabinet frame enclosure 102 alsoincludes two sidewalls 106 connected between two corresponding oppositesides of the top 104 and the bottom 105 walls and a back wall (notshown) connected between the top 104 and the bottom 105 and thesidewalls 106. Finally, the cabinet frame enclosure 102 includes a frontdoor panel 107 located opposite the back wall (not shown), therebydefining an interior space for accommodating the equipment therein.

It is appreciated that the cabinet frame 102 may include a standardizedframe or enclosure for mounting multiple equipment modules, where eachmodule has a front panel that is a standard dimension (e.g., 19 incheswide), and may include edges that protrude on each side to allow formodules to be fastened to the rack frame. Equipment designed to beplaced in the cabinet frame 102 may be described as rack-mount,rack-mount instrument, a rack mounted system, a rack mount chassis,subrack, rack mountable, or occasionally simply shelf. The height of theelectronic modules may also have standardized dimensions (e.g., asmultiples of 1.75 inches or one rack unit or U). An industry-standardrack cabinet may be approximately 42U-44U tall. Rack-mountable equipmentis traditionally mounted by bolting or clipping its front panel to therack. Heavy equipment or equipment which is commonly accessed forservicing, for which attaching or detaching at all four cornerssimultaneously would pose a problem, is often not mounted directly ontothe rack but instead is mounted via rails (or slides). A pair of railsis mounted directly onto the rack, and the equipment then slides intothe rack along the rails, which support it. When in place, the equipmentmay also then be bolted to the rack. The rails may also be able to fullysupport the equipment in a position where it has been slid clear of therack, which may be useful for inspection or maintenance of equipmentwhich will then be slid back into the rack. Thus, the cabinet frame 102can be used with any type of equipment commonly used in datacenters,production studios, home theaters, broadcast facilities, etc.Adaptations may be used to address medical applications, such as for apharmacy, which may have different requirements.

Each of the functional modules 111-114 will now be described in greaterdetail below. It is appreciated that any combination of one or more ofthe functional modules 111-114 may be present in the ECA 100 withoutdeparting from the scope of the subject matter described herein.Further, the functional modules 111-114 may include multiple componentssuch as sensors, control systems, fans, and associated processors,memory, and software. Thus, the term “module” is not intended to belimited to any specific component(s) illustrated in the exemplaryembodiments described below, but rather may refer to any combination ofcomponents associated with providing the functionality described.

Access Control Module:

The access control module 111 provides electronic locking and accesscontrol to the interior space of the cabinet frame 102. For example, theaccess control module 111 may include a keypad, a proximity card,biometric pad, or any other suitable means for controlling physicalaccess to the cabinet frame 102. In one embodiment, the access controlmodule 111 provides electronic locking and access control to the ECA 100via third party electronic locks.

Access methods available for control may be chosen by the user and caninclude: a touchsensor-based key keypad for pin access and door unitselection, a proximity card reader for use of keyfob or keycard access,an on-screen touchscreen control, a remote network control, and/orbiometric access. It is appreciated that the access control module 11may also optionally integrate image-based controls including those usingcamera (still and video) technologies. It is further appreciated thatthe access control module 111 can make use of third party electroniclocks that are specifically configured to interact with the CCM 110.These may include certain touchsensor based keypads produced by MethodeInc., certain integrated locks and proximity readers produced by SouthcoInc., and certain biometric scanners produced by Lumidigm Inc., each ofwhich have been integrated and configured to maximize their performancewith the CCM 110.

Power Management Module:

The power management module 112 monitors and controls power distributionto equipment 108 located in the interior space of the cabinet frame 102.For example, the power management module 112 provides sensing, reportingand control over power elements supplied to the ECA 100 via powerdistribution units (PDUs), powerstrips, and intelligent power batterybackup devices. The power management module 112 may integrateintelligent PDU functions for monitoring and selective control ofpowerstrip outlets and battery control for backup or selective powerincreases using on-board intelligent power distribution units orintelligent powerstrips. By using the power management module 112, amultitude of third-party PDU components can be controlled and leveragedvia the single Ethernet connection 119 versus taking up an additionalnetwork connection in the datacenter. It is appreciated that a range ofthird party PDU strips may be used for gathering key power performancedata. Additionally, the power management module 112 may integrate withintelligent in-rack battery devices capable of providing dynamic powerpeaking without the need to supply additional external power.

Asset Tracking Module:

The asset tracking module 113 automatically detects the presence orabsence of equipment, such as servers 108, from the interior space ofthe cabinet frame 102 using one or more nearfield radio frequencyidentification (RFID) sensors. In one embodiment, the asset trackingmodule 113 may include one or more RFID tags attached to each of theassets 108 to be tracked and a corresponding RFID reader located insideof the cabinet frame 102. More specifically, the RFID reader may includea plurality of individual RFID readers that are connected in series andvertically mounted to the back 103 and/or side walls 106 of the cabinetframe 102, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, the asset tracking module 113 may be installed in theECA 100 at each equipment mounting location (rack unit or U). The assettracking module 113 automatically detects the installation or removal ofassets 108 installed within the ECA 100 rack unit locations vianearfield RFID technology. It is appreciated that the asset trackingmodule 113 is not intended to be limited to a specific implementation orconfiguration; however, successful detection of the asset tags mayrequire that the distance between the asset tag and the asset reader notexceed a predetermined distance (e.g., 20 mm). Additionally, some partsof the cabinet frame 102, such as those parts located between thenearfield antenna/reader and the asset tag it is attempting to read, maybe made of a nonmetal material in order to avoid interfering with thewireless communication between the tag and the reader.

It is appreciated that while other conventional in-rack asset detectionimplementations exist, they often require physical connections to bepresent between sensors and the assets being monitored, thereby leadingto the possibility of errors in reading accuracy and missing assetinstallation or removal events. Here, each asset only requires an assetRFID tag to be attached to the equipment prior to installation and istypically performed as a normal part of equipment delivery andregistration.

Environmental Management Module:

The environmental management module 114 monitors and controlsenvironmental conditions within the interior space of the cabinet frameenclosure. For example, the environmental management module 114 providessensing of temperature, humidity, airflow, and air pressure for the ECA100 in order to assess its environmental conditions. In an appropriatelyequipped ECA cabinet frame 102, the environmental management module 114can also control airflow fan speeds and cabinet mounted coolingcomponents, such as servers 108, in accordance with industry standards.The sensor devices associated with the environmental management module114 may be integrated with the CCM 110 sensing and control logic, whichwill be described in greater detail below with respect to the CCM 110.In one embodiment, the environmental sensors may include specializedcabling and sensing thermistors for performing measurement oftemperature.

Cabinet Control Module (CCM):

The cabinet control module (CCM) 110 provides consolidated connectivityto the one or more functional modules 111-114, where the CCM 110presents a single external network connection 119 (e.g., InternetProtocol (IP) address) for managing the equipment 108 associated withthe ECA 100.

The CCM 110 provides a single unit that provides connectivity for allsensor/control components listed below and delivers single pointEthernet based network connectivity to the ECA 100. This single pointconsolidation is significant to data center managers since it provides asingle IP address to manage a multitude of ECA functions 111-114. TheCCM 110 is capable of auto-discovering ECA components installed andconsolidates all key ECA functions 111-114 to a single Ethernetconnection to the external ECA environment, such as connection 119 tocomputer 120, thereby greatly reducing overall datacenter connectivitycosts dedicated to monitoring and control.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of internal components of an exemplarycabinet control module for use in an integrated data centerinfrastructure management equipment cabinet appliance, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.3, the CCM 110 includes a processor 122 and a memory 124 containingcomputer-readable and computer-executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor 122, perform steps. The memory 124 includes anasset tracking software module 126, an access control software module127, an environmental management software module 128, and a powermanagement software module 129.

Each of the software modules 126-129 may be associated with one or morerespective physical devices located in the ECA 100, such as sensors,fans, locks, or batteries for performing various monitoring, control, ormanagement functions. For example, the asset tracking software module126 may be associated with (e.g., communicatively or otherwise connectedto) the RFID reader 113 for detecting the corresponding RFID tagslocated on each of the servers 108. The access control software module127 may be associated with the access control module 111, which mayinclude a keypad, proximity card reader, biometric access lock etc. Theaccess control software module 127 may record the date and time of eachsuccessful or failed access attempt along with the identity of the user.The environmental management software module 128 may be associated witha plurality of environmental sensors and control devices shown forsimplicity as environmental module 114. Thus, the environmentalmanagement software module 128 may receive environmental data, such astemperature, humidity, airflow, etc., from the sensors of theenvironmental management module 114. The environmental managementsoftware module 128 may also send control signals to one or moreenvironmental control devices, such as fans, dehumidifiers, water pumps,etc., for adjusting one or more of the monitored environmental factorsinside the ECA 100. Finally, the power management software module 129may be associated with the power management module 112, such as powerbackup batteries, power strips, or other power-related devices. Thepower management software module 129 can receive data from the powermanagement module 112 for monitoring the power consumption of theservers 108 by receiving data from a powerstrip, for providing failoverbattery backup protection from an alternate power source in the eventthat the primary power source is unavailable by sending a signal to thealternate power source, and for recording and reporting power-relateddata to computer 120.

Interaction of the Functional Modules:

As described above, the ECA 100 may include a plurality of functionalmodules 111-114 for providing asset tracking, access control,environmental management, and power management functions. Because eachof these functional modules may be consolidated and coordinated usingthe CCM 110, various usage or automation scenarios may utilize theinterdependence of these functional modules to further optimize theperformance of the ECA 100. For example, various exemplary correlatedautomation scenarios are described below, but are not intended to belimiting.

A first correlated automation scenario includes combining access controland asset tracking, where access to the cabinet 102 may be granted onlyto users who are authorized to access one or more specific assets 108contained in the cabinet frame 102.

Another correlated automation scenario includes combining environmentalmanagement and access control, where a temperature variance or otherenvironmental factor may lead to the need to unlock and open the doorsfor additional airflow. Thus, access may be granted to the cabinet frame102 based on an indication generated by the environmental monitoringmodule 114.

Another correlated automation scenario includes combining asset trackingand power management, where certain assets 108 identified via the assettracking module 113 may be associated with a specific power ramp upprofile based on workload that is coordinated with the power managementmodule 112.

Another correlated automation scenario includes combining informationfrom any or all of the functional modules 111-114 where, for example,the asset locations, power profiles for the assets/asset locations,environmental profiles/conditions for the assets/asset locations, andthe access control for the cabinet frame 102 may be analyzed together inorder to optimize the overall efficiency or performance of the ECA 100.

Hardware requirements will now be disclosed. While the preferredembodiment has the following server hardware requirements, differentimplementations can have different requirements, e.g., higher or lowerrequirements or the use of non-Intel processors. The server should beimplemented on a dedicated machine with at least a quad-core Intel Xeonprocessor with a speed of at least 2.2 GHz, with at least 4 GB RAM and a1 GB network interface card. Persistent storage should include a 10k RPMRAID 5, 6, 10 array with at least three hard drives. For eachapplication, add 1 GB RAM; for each two add-on applications, add one CPUcore; for every 2,500 assets for 100 locks, add 250 MHz to the processorspeed and 10 MB RAM. One server can access 16 SIRIT readers; for eachadditional SIRIT reader, add 15 MB RAM.

FIGS. 4-5 depict the data center equipment cabinet information center(CIC) 100 that provides a unified view of vital equipment cabinet sensorinformation as well as an interaction point for key cabinet controlfunctions. The focus of the CIC implementation is to improve operationalefficiencies, reduce costs and protect assets typically installed withinstandard equipment cabinets utilized in data centers by providing acommon point of information display and cabinet interaction without theneed to physically access assets and vital sensory components internalto the equipment cabinet itself.

CIC is defined as “data center infrastructure management” (DCIM) enablerand is focused on providing interactive interface with the monitoringand/or controlling of; environmental (temperature, pressure, airflow,humidity), power (powerstrip/distribution unit) monitoring and control,asset tracking via automated in cabinet detection, access managementthrough on screen authentication mechanisms to electronic locks, andimage based camera surveillance for identification and even logging. TheCIC is driven by a “cabinet control module” 110 (FIG. 6) that presentsall CIC monitoring and controls functions contained within the equipmentcabinet.

Cabinet Control Module (CCM) 110 is a single unit that providesconnectivity for all sensor/control components listed below and deliverssingle point Ethernet based network connectivity to the ECA. This singlepoint consolidation is significant to data center managers since itprovides a single IP address to manage a multitude of ECA functionsincluding environmental, power, security and asset monitoring.

Cabinet Information Center (CIC) touchscreen display 130 which isintegrated with the equipment cabinet's door 107 design and providesease of visual display to the afore mentioned CCM sensor functions aswell as touch interaction for information drilling, cabinet access viaoptional on-screen keypad authentication, and optionalkeyboard-video-mouse (KVM) (keyboard 133) interaction 135 for“touch-free” in-cabinet asset administration. Cabinet Information CenterController provides electronic integration with the CCM for video andtouch processing offload.

Cabinet Information Center (CIC) is an application of touchscreen andinformation display technology applied to data center equipmentcabinets. The technology has to date not been applied to the monitoringand interaction with equipment cabinets in data centers.

Cabinet Information Center Controller (CICC) is a display andtouchscreen processing electronics package that offloads key graphicdisplay and touch control processing from the cabinet control module(CCM).

Turning to FIG. 5 the CIC package provides real time cabinet sensory andcontrol display 140 and interaction by connecting to the CCM forinformation query and output to the CIC controller for graphicsrendering and touch interaction. The CIC process is set to poll forstatus updates on key value intervals in order to update sensor elementssuch as: temperature 141; humidity 142, airflow; air pressure 143; frontand rear cabinet door lock statues 144; incoming cabinet power state;outlet power state; outlet power control; power bank control; power bankstate 155; and asset track 157. Alternatives would include remote accessto similar information or large display screen technology utilized incontrol rooms and command centers. Equipment cabinets form third partymanufactures may be optimized to integrate the CIC in their cabinetdesign.

FIG. 6 depicts the data center equipment cabinet appliance (ECA) 100that integrates an array of electronic sensors and controls to bothstandard and purpose built data center equipment cabinets. The focus ofthe ECA implementation is to improve operational efficiencies, reducecosts and protect assets typically installed within standard equipmentcabinets utilized in data centers. Equipment can include any standardrack mount devices such as servers, storage arrays and networkingdevices.

ECA is defined as a “data center infrastructure management (DCIM)implementation and is focused on monitoring and/or controllingenvironmental (temperature, pressure, airflow, humidity), power(powerstrip/distribution unit) monitoring and control, asset trackingvia automated in cabinet detection, access management through a range ofauthentication mechanisms to electronic locks, and image based camerasurveillance for identification and even logging. ECA cabinets can alsoinclude on cabinet display and touchscreen/keyboard interaction for atcabinet interrogation and interaction.

The ECA is driven by a cabinet control module (CCM) 110 thatconsolidates ECA monitoring and control functions, delivery networkconnectivity for the ECA automation through a single Ethernet networkconnection. The CCM has the unique ability to auto-detect the ECAsubcomponents that are connected to it dynamically. This greatly easesintegration and configuration.

Cabinet Control Module (CCM) 110 is a single unit that providesconnectivity for all sensor/control components listed below. In anembodiment the CCM 110 delivers single point Ethernet based networkconnectivity to the ECA. This single point consolidation is significantto data center managers since it provides a single IP address to managea multitude of ECA functions. The CCM is required for any of thefollowing ECA functions.

Asset-Track sensor units 126 are installed into the ECA at eachequipment mounting location (rack unit or U). The Asset-Track sensors126 a,b,c,d,e,f automatically detect the installation or removal ofassets installed within the ECA rack unit locations for example, vianearfield RFID technology.

Lock-Talk access control components 127 provide electronic locking andaccess control to the ECA via third party electronic locks. Accessmethods available for customer choice include touchsensor based 10 keykeypad 111 for pin access and door unit selection, proximity card readerfor use of keyfob or keycard access, on-screen touchscreen control,remote network control, and/or biometric access. Lock-Talk alsooptionally integrates image based controls via camera still and videotechnologies.

Enviro-Track 128 provides sensing of temperature, humidity, airflow, andairpressure for the ECA in order to assess its environmental conditions.In appropriately equipped ECA cabinets, Enviro-Track can also controlairflow fan speeds and cabinet mounted cooling components.

Power-Talk 129 a provides sensing, reporting and control over powerelements supplied to the ECA via power distribution units (PDUs),powerstrips 129 b, and intelligent power battery backup devices.Power-Talk 129 a integrates intelligent PDU functions for monitoring andselective control of powerstrip outlets and battery control for backupor selective power increases.

ECA Information Center is a touchscreen and information display 130 thatprovides external cabinet interaction to the above ECA information andControl functions.

Each of the above elements are modular and customizable as packagesdepending on customer requirements. As elements are added to the ECAimplementation, the CCM auto-discovers the ECA functions it can manage.

CCM is capable of auto-discovering ECA components installed. In anembodiment the ECA consolidates all key ECA functions to a singleEthernet connection and to the external ECA environment, thereby greatlyreducing overall datacenter connectivity costs dedicated to monitoringand control of the ECA.

Asset-Track 126 auto-detects assets and installation and removal forexample through nearfield RFID technology. Each asset may operate usingan asset RFID tag to be attached to the equipment prior to installationinto the ECA 100 and typically performed as a normal part of equipmentdelivery and registration.

Environmental sensor functions via Enviro-Track 128 are traditional andexpected in accordance with industry ASHRAE standards. Unique control ofcabinet mounted fans and cooling systems along with the uniqueintegration of the environmental components with the rest of theappliance functions.

Power-Talk 129 a,b is a unique solution traditionally performed on-boardintelligent power distribution units or intelligent powerstrips. Byusing Power-Talk 129 a,b, a multitude of third-party PDU components canbe controlled and leveraged for example, via the single Ethernetconnection versus taking up additional network connection in thedatacenter.

Each package in the ECA 100 distinctly manages its particular disciplinee.g. Lock-Talk 127 is focused on authentication and access whileAsset-Track 126 is focused on asset tracking. The uniqueness to theapproach is delivered via correlated automation scenarios as follows:

Authentication to access inside the cabinet may be granted to only thosewho are authorized to access the specific assets contained in thecabinet.

Temperature variance or other environmental factors may lead to the needto unlock and open the doors for additional airflow.

Certain assets identified via Asset-Track 126 may have specific powerramp up profiles based on workload that may need to be coordinated withPower-Talk 129 a,b.

Each of the asset packages with the exception of Asset-Track 126 couldmake use of alternative components to achieve the same respectivefunctional results.

Asset-Track 126 is unique with respect to is use of nearfield RFIDtechnology and corresponding equipment tags. Other prior art assettracking solutions make use of tethered sensors or embedded sensors inpower cables to sense the presence of assets. They could be substitutedfor the nearfield RFID approach but are deemed inferior in their abilityto attest to the asset's presence or absence. This is due to the factthat an asset could be present and simply not tethered to the assetsensor in the first configuration or simply not plugged in where powercables are used with sensors.

Lock-Talk 127 can make use of third-party electronic locks that areconfigured to interact with the CCM. The associated Lock-Talk 127authentication mechanisms such as Methode Electronics, Inc.'stouchsensor based keypad, Southco's integrated lock and proximityreader, and Lumidigm's biometric scanner are integrated and configuredto maximize their performance with the CCM. Alternative keypads,proximity readers, and biometric devices could be interfaced to interactwith the CCM architecture as well.

Enviro-Track sensors 128 are sensor devices that are readily integratedto the CCM sensing and control logic. Methode Electronics, Inc. hasdeveloped its own cabling and sensing thermistors for the actualmeasurement of temperature in the present invention.

Power-Talk 129 a,b speaks to a range of third-party PDU strips forgathering key power performance data. Power-Talk 129 a,b uniquelyintegrates to a new line of intelligent in-rack battery devices thatwill be capable of providing dynamic power peaking without the need tosupply additional external power. In an embodiment the Asset-Trackersensor 126 may comprise a near field RFID reader. In an embodiment, theAsset-Track tag may comprise a near field RFID tag. In an embodiment,the Lock-Talk keypad 127 may comprise a keypad. In an embodiment, theLock-Talk proximity card reader may comprise a proximity reader.

Each of the functional packages can be optionally installed. Integrationwith third-party functional versions of the packages is also consideredfor new as well as legacy installations.

Turning to FIG. 7, the ECA 100 is depicted in an illustrative viewdepicting each of the components of the ECA (located within the ECA in alocation generally close to the actual mounting positions with thecabinet) and the links to the CCM. The CCM 100 includes a frame 102defining a pair of sidewalls 106 a front 105 (normally where the door isattached; however not depicted in the illustrative view of FIG. 7) and arear opening 103 (not depicted).

As discussed above, the CCM will include assets or equipment 108 such asrouters, hubs, or other type blade components mounted within the ECA100. The CCM 110 is typically mounted within the ECA 100. However, FIG.7 is an illustrative view focusing on the components within the ECA 100,so the CCM 110 is depicted separate from the ECA frame 102 and the linksbetween each of the modules of the ECA can be understood and theintegrated functionality of the CCM 110, further illustrated below.

The CCM 110, also known as a data center infrastructure managementcontroller, includes input ports 201-214. An auxiliary 1 input 201includes a DSUB 9 pin connector. A Bio input 202 includes a DSUB 9 pinconnector for biometric interface. A Power-Talk power distribution unit(PDU) input 203 includes a DSUB 9 pin connector. An auxiliary 2 input204 includes a RJ45 8-8 jack. An Asset Tracker input 205 is for theU-Track module and includes an RJ45 8-8 female receptacle. A UPS input206 is for a Power-Talk module having a 9 pin DSUB connector receptacle.A front air input 207 is for receiving front air circulation data inputvia a RJ45 connector.

A rear air input 208 is for air circulation at the rear of the ECA 100including an RJ45 connector receptacle. A front temperature input 209 isfor receiving temperature input from the front of the ECA via an RJ45receptacle. A rear temperature input 210 for receiving temperature datafor the rear of the ECA includes an RJ45 receptacle. A front lock input211 is for receiving Access Control Module data via an RJ45 receptacle.A rear lock input 212 providing Access Control Module data for the rearof the ECA includes an RJ45 receptacle. An HID input 215 is forreceiving RFID card reader information from the Asset Tracking modulevia RJ45 receptacle. A keypad input 214 is for receiving keypadinformation from the Cabinet Information Center connected via a standardkeypad or keyboard connector.

Each of these connector ports 201-214 receives the data from the modulesof the ECA 100 in an integrated fashion to be received and processed byfirmware of the CCM 110 in order to communicate to all other componentsor modules within the ECA 100. The CCM 110 also includes a port 216 onthe rear of the housing of the CCM 110. In an embodiment the port 216that provides a connection to the internet and provides for a single IPaddress for the entire ECA 100, so that each of the module controls canbe accessed remotely via the internet 220. For example, the CCM mayfollow an SNMP protocol.

The CCM 110 includes a humidity sensor 114 e for determining thehumidity within inside of the ECA 100. The sensor 114 e is exposed tothe cabinet ECA environment through a port in the top of the CCM 110.The sensor 114 e measures the cabinet relative humidity and records thevalue in a DCIM server database as part of the Enviro-Track module.

Some of the inputs to the CCM 110 are repetitive and as illustrated inFIG. 7 not all of the inputs (e.g. 201-204) are populated or connectedto components presently populating the ECA 100. For example, inputs201-204 may be used at a later time when the rack is more fullypopulated. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, inputs 205-211 arepopulated and are receiving data inputs from the modules populatedwithin the ECA 100. Illustrative electrical connections are depicted inFIG. 7.

The Power Management module 112 of the ECA 100 includes an intelligentpower distribution unit (PDU) 112. In a preferred embodiment, the PDU112 is mounted towards the rear of the cabinet. Temperature sensors 114a in a preferred embodiment are mounted at the rear of the EVA 100 andtemperature sensors 114 d are mounted towards the front of the EVAcabinet 100. These temperature sensors, 114 a,d provide information forthe Enviro Track module that provide real time reporting of cabinet rackenvironmental data. The Enviro-Track module is a closed system which isintegrated with the DCIM controller 110 and provides a broad range ofsensing functions in a variety of configurations to meet ASHRAE andother standards for environmental conditions. The Enviro-Track modulereports instantaneous and trending values for humidity via sensor 114 ein the CCM 110 and temperature sensing including the six differentsensing points 114 a-d depicted in FIG. 7. In alternate embodiments,more or less than six sensors may be provided.

Air flow sensors 114 b,g can provide airflow readings at the front andthe rear of the ECA 100 as air may flow from a cool side of the ECA andout of the hot side. Sensors mounted on the door mesh panel may capturethe least amount of air movement. The airflow sensor 114 e data signalis captured by the CCM 110 and stored in the DCIM server database. TheEnviro-Track module may be installed in a dense cabinet configurationthat provides real time modeling of CFD values and performs scenarioplanning for data center cooling and capacity management. Airflowsensors 114 b and e provide for capturing airflow data at the rear bysensor 114 b and at the front of the cabinet by sensor 114 e.

Sensors 114 c and 114 f provide data for the Lock-Talk module. Sensor114 c is the Lock-Talk sensor for the front of the cabinet and sensor114 f is the Lock-Talk sensor the rear of the ECA cabinet 100. Thesesensors allow for the DCIM Lock-Talk module Access Management feature toprovide electronic access control, audit, reporting and alert managementfor data center cabinets. Lock-Talk is capable of providing a range ofauthentication methodologies including multi-factors secure access. Inan embodiment, the sensors 114 c,f, can provide for a proximity cardreader and a swing handle lock.

The Cabinet Information Center 130, as described above provides for atechnician present at the ECA 100 to gain access to the CCM 110functionality and control and monitor the ECA 100. The CabinetInformation Center in an embodiment, is a touch screen display thatcontains a Raspberry Pie processor that allows for direct communicationand access to the components inside the cabinet, without having to openthe cabinet door 107. Further details regarding the operation of theCabinet Information Center are described with respect to FIGS. 14-19below. Accordingly, the CCM 110 provides an integrated controller foreach of the modules and components contained with the ECA 100.

Turning to FIG. 8 a perspective view of an actual ECA 100 is provideddepicting the open rear 103, a top 104, bottom 105, first side 106 a,second side 106 b and front access 107 (door not shown). The ECA 100depicted in FIG. 8 is empty and has no equipment assets or CCM 110mounted therein, so that the bracket to mount the power distributionunit of the power management module 112 is exposed. The powerdistribution unit (PDU) 112 is mounted to the second side 106 b of theECA 100 and provides for the Power-Talk module. A single cable connectsthe PDU to the CCDM 110. In an embodiment, a PDU such as a bayTech MMPseries PDU may be used to provide the inputs for the Power-Talksolution. Regardless of the number of PDUs provided there is only asingle cable needed to attach the Power-Talk flow bar 112 to the CCM110.

Turning to FIGS. 9A,B, the Asset-Track module of the U-Track module willbe described. FIG. 9A provides an illustrative illustration of the ECA100. The ECA 100 as depicted in FIG. 9A includes rack space of 42. Onthe left side of the diagram batch numeral (“1U”) depicts the rack spacepopulated by each of the assets mounted within the rack. FIG. 9A depictsa total of 27 assets each having an RFID tag.

For example, server blades 108 a-g are mounted near the bottom of therack and each server asset 108 populates one unit of the rack. Asanother example, the CCM 110 is mounted at the very top of the rack andpopulates two units of the rack. Likewise, power management module 112is mounted below that and populates two units of the rack. Finally,environmental management 114 is mounted and also takes up two rackunits. Each asset or equipment has an RFID tag, so there are a total of27 RFID tags present in the illustrative rack of FIG. 9A. In anembodiment, each of the RFID tags is a read/write tag so that it may bemodified as the equipment are moved from one location to another. TheU-Track module includes a tag information file where data may be storedcorresponding to the writing of the data to the RFID tag of each asset(e.g. 108 a-g). When equipment is relocated from one rack to another, orother locations outside of the ECA rack 100 the RFID tag can be writtento in order to reflect the new location. In FIG. 9B the reader block(reader strip 113) information is transmitted via the receptacle input205 of the CCM 110 and the tag information file 230 is updated with theRFID information and the Integrated Management system is likewiseupdated with the data which may be accessed via the internet 220.

In an embodiment, the RFID reader strips 113 (FIG. 12) are six RU longand include 6 RFID readers and 6 antennae. The U-Track system isassembled by mounting the reader strips 113 to the sidewall of the ECA100 adjacent the front opening 107. For example, the RFID strip 113 adepicted in FIG. 12 includes a hardwired cable 232 (“dongle”) that willconnect the strip 113 a to the CCM 110 at the input 205. If the rack ispopulated with more than 6 RU then additional strips may be added. Forexample, 1 RU strip block 113 b as depicted in FIG. 11, may be attachedto the 6 RU strip 113 a. As depicted in FIG. 11, the 1 RU reader block13 a includes a female end 234 (e.g. having female receptacles). On theopposite side is the male end 236, including male pins extendingtherefrom. It may be understood that individual 1 RU reader blocks 113may each be assembled in series with each other. Or a 1 RU reader block113 may be assembled to a 6 RU reader block as depicted in FIG. 13.

By assembling the reader block strips the entire rack space may bemonitored by the U-Track system. The reader strip also includesfasteners 238 a, 238 b to attach each reader strip to an adjacent readerstrip. In an embodiment the front of each reader strip 113 a, 113 b iswhite and translucent. In an embodiment each RFID reader is paired withlight source, such as an LED 241, which is visible through the fronttranslucent white material. For each RFID reader a red colorillumination indicates the reader block is inactive. When the LEDchanges to the color blue, it indicates that the RFID reader is activeand that an RFID tag of equipment is nearby and being transmitted andsending RF signals to the RFID reader of the RFID strip 113.

Turning to FIG. 10, an asset 108 n such as a server has a RFID tag 240attached on a sidewall. The RFID reader strip 113 includes individualRFID readers to respond to the presence of an RFID tag 243. RFIDtransmissions 245 are depicted with respect to RF waves beingtransmitted and received between the reader strip 113 and the RFID tag243. Each RFID tag 243 includes a individual ID code that will betransmitted to the reader within the strip 113 and that ID code will betransmitted by the strip 113 to the U-Track database having taginformation files to correspond to the equipment 108 n.

As the equipment 108 n is placed into the rack adjacent a particularRFID reader, its location will be written to the database 230. Forexample, as depicted in FIG. 10, LED 241 will turn from red to blue asthe radio frequency signal 245 is transmitted to RFID chip 243 to theantenna and RFID reader within the strip 113. In an embodiment, theU-Track system includes an updatable asset tracking module that iscapable of writing to an equipment tag to enable modification of the taginformation file when the equipment is relocated. The RFID tag 243 hasread/write capabilities, so that the tag information file may be updatedwhen the equipment 108 n is moved away from the original rack and readerstrip 113 to a new rack or other location.

For example, if the equipment 108 n is moved to a shelf in a storagearea, the RFID tag 243 may be written to in order to identify the shelfnumber and the storage area code. Likewise, if the equipment 108 n islocated on a shipping dock waiting to be shipped to another location,the dock may have an identification number that is written to the tag243 while the equipment 108 is waiting to be transported to a newlocation. The new location data may be reflected in the U-Track databasefor the original ECA to which the equipment had been previously mounted.In an alternate embodiment, a general U-Track database may beestablished for an entire datacenter and the new location data for theequipment 108 n, is updated for the general U-track database when theequipment 108 n is outside an ECA. Therefore, it can be understood thatvia the wireless transmission of the RFID tag 243 and reader strip 113the location of the equipment 108 may be automatically monitored so thatthe integrated management system may track such valuable assets.

In an embodiment, the reader strip 113 a can read the RFID tag 243 andwrite to the RFID tag 243. In an alternate embodiment, the RFID readerof the reader strip 113 of the ECA 100 may also be read/writeable.However, in most cases, the reader strip 113 only needs to write to theRFID tag 243 of the equipment 108 n. When the equipment 108 is removedfrom the ECA 100, the RF signal from the RFID tag 243 will be receivedby the RFID reader of the strip 113 mounted on the sidewall of the ECA100 and the removal of the equipment 108 n will be recorded by thedatabase 230 and acknowledged by the integration management system 220via the firmware of the CCM 110.

The operation of the cabinet information center will be discussed withrespect to screenshots in FIGS. 14-19. FIG. 14 depicts a dashboardoverview of the U-Track, Power-Talk, Enviro-Track and Lock-Talk data.The screenshot 300 a upper left (UL) quadrant depicts the U-Track moduledata. To the far left, the U-Track is indicating that there are fiveassets located within the rack. There are a total of 42 RU spacesavailable within the rack and there are 37 RU empty. The dashboarddepicted in FIG. 14, depicts in the upper right (UR) quadrant thePower-Talk module data including an Input 1 that is using 119.3 volts, 0amps and 0 watts and Input 2 that is consuming 1.22.3 volts 2.2 amps and148 watts.

The lower left (LL) quadrant of the dashboard screenshot 300 a depictsthe data from the Enviro-Track module, including the internaltemperature within the rack of 22 Celsius, air circulation of 0.0 metersper second and a humidity of 45%. The lower right (LR) quadrant of thescreenshot depicts the Lock-Talk module data indicating that both thefront and rear of the cabinet are locked. The sideways Y-shaped icon onthe front of the lock icon indicates the locked status of the front andrear of the rack. In an embodiment, the Y-feature may be a color, suchas green. The screenshot 300 includes tabs at the bottom. By pressingtab 302 for home (HOME) the dashboard is displayed including theoverview of the information of all four modules for U-Track, Power-Talk,Enviro-Track and Lock-Talk.

Turning to FIG. 15, the tab Enviro-Track 303 is activated and thescreenshot changes to give more detailed information regarding theEnviro-Track module. For example, at the left side of the screenshot 300b the temperature for the front top, front middle, front bottom, reartop, rear middle, rear bottom are provided for each of the six locationsof the temperature sensors 114 a,d (FIG. 7). At the middle of thedisplay, the airflow at the front middle and rear middle are displayedbased on input from sensors 114 b and e (FIG. 7). The relative humidityof the rack at the rear top is depicted on the right side of thescreenshot 300 b, based on the input from the humidity sensor 114 e(FIG. 7).

Turning to FIG. 16 the activation of the U-Track Asset Track feature isactivated by depressing tab 304. The screen will change to screenshot300 c which depicts on the left side RU positions 29-42 and indicatethat the RU positions 29, 35 and 38 are populated with assets based ontheir ID numbers. It will be understood, as discussed above that suchasset tracking functionality is completed automatically when theequipment are placed with the rack at those locations based on thewireless transmission of the RFID tag on the equipment being monitoredby the U-Track module and the RFID reader in the reader strip located inthe side of the rack 100. Turning to the center of the screen shot 300c, the RU positions 15-28 are depicted and an indication that RUlocation 20 has equipment populated there and the ID number of theequipment is provided. Turning to the right side of the screenshot 300c, the rack location units 1-14 are depicted there and a single asset ispopulated at RU location 1. In an embodiment the screenshot 300 c willbe provided in color and each of the equipment designations may have ablue color so that they are easily located when viewing the screenshot300 c.

Turning to FIG. 17, the screenshot 300 d depicts the Power-Talk moduleinformation indicating PDU input 1 having 20 positions and PDU input 2having 20 positions and each position indicating the current by amps.The screenshot 300 d includes the outlet port illustration to the leftside of the screenshot 300 d. The right side of the screenshot 300 dindicates input lines 1 and 2 and the current by amps. This screen isaccessed by activating tab 305 for the Power-Talk module.

Turning to FIG. 18, the screenshot 300 e is depicted and accessed bydepressing the Lock-Talk tab 306. At the left side of the screenshot 300e is an icon for the lock feature indicating the front of the ECAcabinet stating that the front is locked and latched. The lock icon alsoincludes a sideways Y to indicate the locked state. On the right side ofthe screenshot 300 e is another lock icon indicating the state of therear ECA cabinet. The lock icon with the Y-shaped icon indicates thatthe rear is both locked and latched.

Turning to FIG. 19, the login screen 300 f is depicted having the window308 superimposed over the dashboard screenshot 300 a. When the loginbutton tab 307 is depressed the window 308 opens, so that the login codemay be input on the screen. It is understood that the preferredembodiment of the system provides a touchscreen. By touching thealphanumeric icons represented on the screen display window 308 theactivation of the system may occur. In an embodiment, a keyboard is alsoprovided to make the inputs necessary for the system. The keyboard mayinclude a mouse that allows a user to hover over each of thealphanumeric icons to activate those areas of the screenshot or window308. Although the login was described herein after each of thescreenshots 300 a-e, in an embodiment the login screen may be the firstscreen used by a user to access the other data described above withrespect to FIGS. 14-19. Therefore it is understood that the use of theDCIM system may be easily controlled and monitored via the screenshots300 a-f and the state of the ECA may be quickly identified by viewingthe cabinet information center 130 and the screenshots 300 a-f.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly,it is to be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes ormodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. Forexample, numerical values are illustrative rather than limiting, as aredisclosures of specific standards, technologies, or brands. It is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the particularembodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes andmodifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention,which should therefore be construed as limited only by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data center infrastructure management rackcomprising: a rack frame enclosure having a first side wall, a secondside wall, the first and second sidewalls extending between a top andbottom, a first opening extending between the top and bottom, a door forenclosing the first opening and a second opening extending between thetop and bottom and the frame having an inside surface defined by aportion of one of the first and second side walls, the inside surfaceextending between the top and bottom, the rack defining an interiorspace for accommodating a plurality of electronic equipment, theelectronic equipment being removable through the first opening; a powermanagement module for monitoring and controlling power distribution toelectronic equipment located in the interior space of the cabinet frameenclosure, the power management module disposed in one of the first sidewall or second side wall and adjacent the second opening; and assettracking module for detecting the presence or absence of the electronicequipment from the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosureincluding a tag information file that identifies the electronicequipment, the asset tracking module capable of writing to an electronicequipment tag to enable modification of the tag information file whenthe electronic equipment is relocated, the asset tracking moduledisposed along the inside surface.
 2. The rack of claim 1, wherein thepower management module comprises one or more of: a power distributionunit (PDU), a power strip, and an intelligent power battery backupdevice.
 3. The rack of claim 1, wherein the power management module isconfigured to selectively control at least one of power delivery andpower storage to the electronic equipment.
 4. The rack of claim 1,further comprising an updatable asset tracking module configured todetect the electronic equipment wirelessly and an RFID tag attached tothe electronic equipment.
 5. The rack of claim 4, wherein the updateableasset tracking module is configured to write to one or more RFID tagsattached to the electronic equipment.
 6. The rack of claim 4, whereinthe updateable asset tracking module comprises one or more RFID readersprovided by a detachable strip located within the interior space of thecabinet frame enclosure.
 7. The rack of claim 4, wherein the updateableasset tracking module further comprises a plurality of blocks connectedin series and each block containing at least one RFID reader.
 8. Therack of claim 5 wherein each block includes a male end and an oppositefemale end so that corresponding blocks may be interconnected to form astrip.
 9. The rack of claim 1, further comprising an access controlmodule for providing electronic locking and access control to theinterior space of the cabinet frame enclosure and wherein the accesscontrol module comprises one of: a touch-sensor-based key keypad, aproximity card reader, an on-screen touch-screen control, a remotenetwork control, and biometric access and wherein the access controlmodule is configured to use visual data including at least one of stillimages and video.
 10. The rack of claim 1, further comprising anenvironmental management module for monitoring and controllingenvironmental conditions within the interior space of the cabinet frameenclosure wherein the environmental management module includes one of afan and a dehumidifier for controlling one of airflow and humiditywithin the interior space of the cabinet frame enclosure.
 11. The rackof claim 1, further comprising a cabinet control module (CCM) forproviding consolidated connectivity to the plurality of functionalmodules, wherein the CCM presents a single network connection formanaging the electronic equipment located in the cabinet frame enclosureand wherein the cabinet control module is wirelessly connect to theplurality of functional modules.
 12. The rack of claim 11, wherein thecabinet control module is wired to the plurality of functional modules.13. The rack of claim 11, wherein the cabinet control module comprises atouch-screen display for providing external user interaction between auser and the integrated appliance.
 14. The rack of claim 11, wherein thecabinet control module is configured to manage a correlated automationscenario where information received from at least a first functionalmodule is used to manage at least a second functional module.
 15. Therack of claim 11, wherein the single network connection has a single IPaddress.
 16. A self-contained and self-monitoring electronic equipmentrack comprising: a cabinet frame enclosure having a first side wall, asecond side wall, a first opening and a second opening each incombination defining an interior space for accommodating a plurality ofelectronic equipment, a door for enclosing one of the first or secondopenings, the electronic equipment being removable through the firstopening along a removal path; and a first component disposed in thefirst or second side wall for providing power to the entire cabinet andeach of cabinet components via a single power cable; and a secondcomponent disposed in the first sidewall adjacent the removal path, thesecond component for wirelessly detecting the presence of at least oneof the electronic equipment and including a tag information file thatidentifies the electronic equipment and having a read and writecapability to enable modification of the tag information file when theelectronic equipment is relocated.
 17. The electronic equipment rack ofclaim 16 wherein the second component includes an asset tracking modulethat is configured to detect one or more RFID tags attached to theelectronic equipment, each of the cabinet components capable ofconnecting to a cabinet control module (CCM) connected to each of thecabinet components and the CCM for consolidating the monitoring andcontrol of the cabinet components.
 18. An cabinet power managementsystem comprising: a cabinet frame enclosure having a first side wall, asecond side wall, a first opening and a second opening each incombination defining an interior space for accommodating a plurality ofelectronic equipment, a door for enclosing one of the first or secondopenings, the electronic equipment being removable through the firstopening; a power management module for monitoring and controlling powerdistribution to electronic equipment located in the interior space ofthe cabinet frame enclosure, the power management module disposed in oneof the first side wall or second side wall and adjacent the secondopening and wherein the power management module is configured toselectively control at least one of power delivery and power storage tothe electronic equipment; and an asset tracking module for detecting thepresence or absence of the electronic equipment from the interior spaceof the cabinet frame enclosure including a tag information file thatidentifies the electronic equipment.
 19. The electronic power managementsystem of claim 18 wherein the power management module comprises one ormore of: a power distribution unit (PDU), a power strip, and anintelligent power battery backup device.
 20. The electronic powermanagement system of claim 18 further comprising an updatable assettracking module.